"In this technology demonstration, a computer vision system scanned the landscape, selected a landing spot, and directed a rocket-powered lander to a safe touchdown point, all without a human operator." - Astrobotic press release

The test is an important step in establishing their technology for the piloting of their craft to surface of the Moon (no easy task! Landing is the hardest part, and while NASA did it back in the '60s, we need to make it more cost effective if we want to move farther in space, including to Mars).

“Today was a great demonstration of how a rocket powered lander can select a safe landing site without human intervention. There are so many innovations on display in this flight campaign from both teams that it really drives home the reality that barriers to space access are falling.” - Masten Space Systems CEO Sean Mahoney